Do you have the nerve to take road rage test?

February 29, 2008

I took this test a few years ago, and didn’t do too well, so I thought I would take it again since I am now potentially older and wiser.

It’s the ole Road Rage Test. Based on my recollection of the first test (keep in mind my memory has potentially slipped since then), I didn’t exactly set the world record as the nicest guy in terms of pavement protocol.

I made the decision to set myself up for flunking out of Road Rage University after I saw a catalogue offering naughty symbols you place in the rear window of your rage runner. I thought to myself: “That would really tick me off!” if I pulled up behind a guy who was trying to discredit my intelligence in that manner.

Do you have the nerve to take the Road Rage Test? If so, go to RoadRagers.com and test yourself. You may be pleasantly surprised, or if your driving style is not in fashion like mine, you may even get more ticked off. Above all, you have to be honest (like I was).

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If it turns out from taking the test you earn a master’s degree in driver courtesy, three cheers for you. But if you flunk it or have potential road rage like me, you might want to start taking a bus.

Road rage (also known as road violence) is the unofficial description of someone who deliberately commits dangerous acts under the influence of heightened, violent emotion while out for a Sunday drive (or any other day of the week). Under the influence?

I don’t place myself in that category, but do you realize that thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year as a result of RR?

It happens every day.

I’m not real proud of my test results, but always remember this: I was totally honest with my answers. Don’t take the test if you’re a cheater. Here’s how I scored:

Compared to other drivers my age, I’m kinda proud of myself in some categories, but in others, I better get “On The Road Again” and practice up.

For example, the very first question of the 32 asks whether I tailgate another driver to encourage them to speed up and go faster. I confessed to doing it 80 percent of the time. Other guys my age (never mind what age) were at 66 percent.

Do I react quickly when the light turns green? Eighty-percent of the time. Others my youthful age: 75 percent. (So I like drag racing.)

Question: When there is a conflict with another driver, I am never the one who is at fault. I answered: not at fault 80 percent of the time. Survey said: 68.5 percent. (Never say never.)

Why am I considered Mr. Courteous out on the road? When asked when someone lets me into their lane, do I wave at them or flash my lights to acknowledge their nice gesture? I’m Mr. Nice Guy 80 percent of the time. Survey said: 86 percent. (Liar, liar, car’s on fire.)

Do I leave space in front of my vehicle in order to let other drivers merge right, into my lane? You betcha! More than 80 percent of the time. Old people’s survey said: 65 percent. (You other senior guys out there need to learn to be more courteous.)

Do I think I’m the best driver on the road? Only 20 percent of the time. Survey said: 49 percent. (So I cheated on this one.)

After almost 52 years of driving, I hope I never make the grade of ROAD RAGER.